11 /Days 10 /Nights Golden Triangle with Enchanting Kerala Tour

Welcome to India! On arrival, you will meet our VTS representative & transfer to hotel. Where we will be holding the rooms on ready occupancy basis, after traditional welcome check in into hotel. Overnight at the hotel

Day 02 / In Delhi

After a leisurely breakfast sightseeing tour of Old & New Delhi
OLD DELHI - A sight-seeing tour of Old Delhi would entail visiting the Raj Ghat - the memorial site where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated; Jama Masjid - the largest mosque in India.
The heart of Old Delhi lies in the area around Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest market areas in India and certainly one of the busiest.
To explore this area fully would take days, but a great way to get around and experience the vibrant atmosphere and array of sounds and sights on display is by traditional cycle-rickshaw.
NEW DELHI - An extensive sightseeing tour of New Delhi would include a visit to the Humayun's Tomb, the Qutub Minar, and a drive along the ceremonial avenue - Raj path, past the imposing India Gate, Parliament House, and the President's Residence and would end with a drive through the Diplomatic Enclave.
Evening witness the Sound and light show at the Red Fort or ‘Lal Quilla' as the fort is popularly known as, situated in Delhi depicts the Mughal architectural brilliance. The 17th century historical events come alive in the evenings at the fort with the sound and lights of the Son-Et-Lumiere. The Red Fort can be entered from both the Lahore and the Delhi gates. The Lahore gate being the principal gate connects the Red Fort and the Chatta Chawk Bazaar beaming with life. (Except Monday). Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03 / Delhi - Agra

After breakfast depart by surface to Agra. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel.
Morning, visit Taj Mahal - one of the Seven Wonders of the World surely the most extravagant _expression of love ever created. 20,000 men labored for over 17 years to build this memorial to Shah Jahan's beloved wife. The Taj is at its most alluring in the relative quiet of early morning, shrouded in mists and bathed with a soft red glow. As its vast marble surfaces fall into shadow or reflect the sun, its color changes, from soft grey and yellow to pearly cream and dazzling white; it's well worth visiting at different times. This play of light is an important decorative device, symbolically implying the presence of Allah, who is never represented in anthropomorphic form.
Also enjoy the Tonga Ride to the most beautiful monument in the world
After breakfast, visit the Agra fort - the rusty and majestic red-sandstone fort of Agra stands on the banks of the river Yamuna and the construction was started by Emperor Akbar in 1566.
At the Diwan-I-Am (hall of public audience), a colonnaded hall of red-sandstone with a throne alcove of inlaid marble at the back, the Emperor heard public petitions. At the Diwan-I-Khas (hall of private audience) where marble pavilions with floral inlays lend an ethereal ambience, the Emperor sat on his gem-studded Peacock Throne and met foreign ambassadors and rulers of friendly kingdoms. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 04/ Agra - Jaipur ( By road approx 235kms/04hrs drive)

After breakfast, depart by surface to Jaipur. En-route visiting Abhaneri village, about 95 kms from Jaipur on the Jaipur-Agra Road. A detour is well merited for its amazing stepwell or 'baoris'
Step wells are the unique concept of India. These big tanks were used as cool places of resort and water reservoir in parched days. It was a ritual to wash hands and feet before visiting the temple. Adjoining the Chand Baori, there is a temple, dedicated to Harshat Mata. Raised during the 10th century, the wrecks of the temple still boast of the architectural and sculptural styles of ancient India.
From here, continue drive to Agra, en route, visiting Fatehpur Sikri-perfectly preserved red sandstone "ghost town" which was the estranged capital of Mughal emperor Akbar, built in 1569 and deserted when its water supply failed. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel.

Day 05/ Jaipur- Delhi ( BY Air-conditioned train Dep 1745-2240 Hrs)

Morning, visit Amber Fort; enjoy flawless beauty of the Fort royally with an elephant ride.
AMBER FORT PALACE - Amber is the classic romantic Rajasthani fort palace. Its construction was started by Man Singh I in 1592, and completed by his descendent Jai Singh I. Its forbidding exterior belies an inner paradise where a beautiful fusion of Mughal and Hindu styles finds its ultimate expression.
CITY PALACE - A delightful blend of Mughal and traditional Rajasthani architecture, the City Palace sprawls over one-seventh of the area in the walled city. It houses the Chandra Mahal, Shri Govind Dev Temple and the City Palace Museum.
JANTAR MANTAR - This is the largest and the best preserved of the five observatories built by Jai Singh II in different parts of the country. This observatory consisting of outsized astronomical instruments is still in use.
HAWA MAHAL - The ornamental facade of this "Palace of Winds" is a prominent landmark in Jaipur. Their five-storey structures of sandstone plastered pink encrusted with fine trelliswork and elaborate balconies. The palace has 953 niches and windows. Built in 1799 by Pratap Singh, the Mahal was a royal grandstand for the palace women.
Evening transfer to railway station to board train to Delhi. Arrive, meet with our representative & transfer to hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 06 / Delhi – Cochin ( By Flight )

Morning transfer to airport to board flight for Cochin. Arrives Cochin - is a vibrant city situated on the south-west coast of the Indian peninsula in the breathtakingly scenic and prosperous state of Kerala, hailed as 'God's Own Country'. Its strategic importance over the centuries is underlined by the sobriquet Queen of the Arabian Sea. Informally, Cochin is also referred to as the Gateway to Kerala. Meet and assistance at the airport & transfer to hotel.
Later proceed to visit Chinese Fishing Nets, this unique style of huge cantilevered fishing nets were erected between 1350 and 1450 AD by traders from the Court of Kubla Khan, a Chinese King. Santa Cruz Basilica, this historic church was built by the Portuguese and elevated to a Cathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558. Pope John Paul II proclaimed the Church a Basilica in 1984. The Jewish Synagogue, constructed in 1568, this is the oldest Synagogue in the Commonwealth (closed on Saturdays & Jewish Holidays). The area around the Synagogue, called Jew Town, is the centre for Spice & Handicraft shops.Mattanchery Palace (Dutch Palace), built by the Portuguese in 1557 and presented to the Regent of Kochi (closed on Fridays). Return to hotel rest of the day free/ shopping at Ernakulam.
Evening witness Kathakali the famous dance drama of Kerala. This dance is characterised by some great story telling, amazing costumes and extensive make-up. Start early to see the artist preparing themselves for the show (5 PM ). Watch in detail the ritual worth seeing hour long process of make-up as part of our daily Kathakali performance. After the Performance, you will have a unique opportunity to take photographs along with the artists in colorful costumes as a souvenir. Entire performance will be supported with commentary in English. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at hotel then drive to Kumarakom - Kumarakom is also one of the enchanting backwater regions of Kerala. The labyrinthine network of rivers, canals, streams and lagoons which form the famed backwaters offer stunning views and is an ideal place to relax. Visit Kumarakom bird sanctuary located on the banks of the backwaters and renowned for its varied avian population. Local varieties such as Waterfowls, Cuckoos and Owls, as well as the migratory Siberian Cranes can be viewed here. Day excursion to the bird sanctuary. Arrive & transfer to hotel. Overnight at Resort

Day 08 / Kumarakom - Alleppey ( By road approx 40kms/01hr drive)

After breakfast drive to Alleppey. On arrival transfer to Kettuvallam (House Boat). Cruise start after Lunch on board. Houseboats or ‘Kettuvalloms’ are luxurious boats with well-appointed bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms. You can sunbathe on the deck or observe the palm fringed landscape from your cabins. Apart from the mesmerizing surroundings it’s the life along the coast that adds a touch of exotica to this experience. The locals’ travel in canoes and you will find vegetable sellers, fishermen and other traders bringing household goods, door to door in small wooden boats. As you cruise along the backwaters you can ask your captain to stop at villages, paddy fields and other places. Overnight onboard houseboat.

Day 09 / Alleppey - Kovalam ( By road approx 160kms/03hrs drive )

Breakfast at hotel the drive to Kovalam - Thirty years ago, Kovalam was a hippy idyll, a picture perfect tropical beach; a traditional fishing village providing fresh fish, fruits and toddy (coconut beer). Today this tiny beach is the focus of a multi-million dollar business, drawing thousands of tourists for a week dose of ozone, UV and a refreshing Indian Experience. Kovalam was brought to the public eye by the Maharaja of Travancore. Over the past three decades, the place has been well developed, and now figures prominently on the world tourism map. Kovalam is just 16 kms away from Trivandrum.Today Kovalam beach is known as the "Paradise of the South". Overnight at the hotel.

Day 10/ In Kovalam

Breakfast at hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the resort